Sumo: Komusubi Takakeisho captures 1st career championship

Kyodo -- Nov 26

Komusubi Takakeisho won his first career championship on Sunday, the final day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

The 22-year-old Takakeisho, competing in just his 12th tournament in sumo's top flight, beat No. 3 maegashira Nishikigi (8-7), catching a lucky break to finish the tournament with 13 wins.

Perfectly poised to slap his opponent down, Nishikigi instead shoved him back toward the straw, keeping Takakeisho from falling. Takakeisho then plowed forward, and when Nishikigi's left foot slipped, the komusubi slapped him down.

Perfectly poised to slap his opponent down, Nishikigi instead shoved him back toward the straw, keeping Takakeisho from falling. Takakeisho then plowed forward, and when Nishikigi's left foot slipped, the komusubi slapped him down.